Articles tagged with Radiology
Researchers have developed a computer-based system called Valkyrie that can automatically track patient-specific radiation dose exposure from CT scans. The system uses patient size and weight to provide accurate radiation dose information.
A new automated 3-D mapping and labeling system has been developed to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and speed of routine freehand ultrasound exams. The system reduces scanning time by up to 16 seconds per target and accurately measures mass locations in relation to the nipple.
By adjusting the radiation dose based on a child's weight, researchers were able to significantly lower the radiation dose associated with pediatric chest CT scans. The study found that radiation doses could be reduced by up to 73% for children weighing less than 33 pounds.
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a cost-effective alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization, reducing costs by $789 per patient and radiation exposure by minimal amounts. The study suggests that CCTA can effectively triage patients with low CAD risk, potentially eliminating the need for cardiac catheterization.
A study by Annette J. Johnson, MD, MS, found that direct patient access to imaging test results could increase anxiety and workload for physicians. Radiologists and referring physicians agreed on potential benefits, but also raised concerns about patients' ability to understand written reports and the impact on physician time.
The study found significant variations in pulmonary embolism diagnosis imaging tests used by physicians, depending on their specialty and geographic location. This suggests that some imaging may be unnecessary or inappropriate.
A new study by the American College of Radiology found that X-rays are often inconclusive in detecting hip and pelvic fractures. The study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm or rule out fractures, revealing a significant number of missed diagnoses.
A new study found that chest x-rays can predict which H1N1 patients are likely to become sicker. Abnormal findings in the periphery of both lungs were associated with poor clinical outcomes. The study's findings suggest that chest x-rays may help clinicians better identify high-risk patients who require close monitoring.
A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology reveals dual-energy CT as an effective diagnostic tool for gout. The technique offers high accuracy in detecting vessels and bones, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment.
A modified technique for ECG-triggered coronary CTA significantly reduces the radiation dose delivered to patients, with no impact on image quality or interpretability. The study, published in the American Journal of Roentgenology, involved 886 patients and found a 45% increase in radiation dose with increased padding duration.
Three Society of Interventional Radiology members, John D. Fulco, Irvin F. Hawkins Jr., and David C. Levin, were awarded the society's Gold Medal for advancing interventional radiology and improving patient care.
Magnetic resonance-guided focal therapy offers a new treatment choice for patients with recurrent prostate cancer, providing an alternative to radiation therapy and hormone manipulation. The procedure involves tailored treatment modality and duration based on lesion size and location, preserving sexual and urinary function.
Members of the Society of Interventional Radiology have filed over 2,400 patents and patent applications, pioneering modern medicine with devices and drugs. These innovations continue to shape and change the medical landscape, enabling interventional radiologists to treat patients without invasive surgery.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have discovered a potential new treatment using bone marrow stem cells to build new blood vessels in the upper leg. The treatment, which uses X-ray-visible microbubbles to deliver stem cells, was shown to dramatically improve the body's ability to form new blood vessels and provide a more...
Radiofrequency ablation treatment destroys cancer locally, extending life for colon cancer patients. Average survival rate after RFA is 91% at one year, 66% at two years, and 41% at three years.
A new treatment using intra-arterial yttrium-90 microspheres has shown promising results in extending the lives of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those with portal vein thrombosis. The treatment offers a minimally invasive option for patients who cannot undergo surgery.
Researchers developed percutaneous soft tissue cryotherapy as an effective treatment for cancer that has metastasized in soft tissues and bones. The procedure resulted in an average of 77% tumor shrinkage in patients after 24 months, with preserved fibrous or collagenous structures promoting better healing.
Researchers successfully froze breast cancer in patients who refused surgery, with no localized treatment recurrences seen for up to five years and no significant complications noted. The study used image-guided, multiprobe cryotherapy, which provided safe and effective breast conservation with minimal discomfort.
Researchers have developed a novel interventional radiology treatment called nanoembolization, which uses gold nanoparticles to kill cancer cells. The treatment involves injecting the nanoparticles directly into tumors via an artery near the tumor site, bypassing scar tissue that blocks traditional treatments.
A study of 792 patients with multiple myeloma found that vertebroplasty significantly reduced pain intensity, medication usage, and disability. The procedure improved mobility in nearly half of the patients, who also reported considering vertebroplasty again if needed.
A study of nearly 1,500 patients over seven years found that vertebroplasty significantly improves back pain within hours and provides long-term pain relief. Collaboration between interventional radiologists and medical experts is crucial for the best results.
Researchers found that abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) test results are prevalent among individuals not considered high risk for coronary heart disease by Framingham risk score. This simple test can help identify those who may be at risk for future heart attacks, potentially saving thousands of lives.
A new cerebral protection device has been shown to effectively reduce particles released during carotid stenting procedures, preventing strokes. The Mo.Ma device provides an alternative to surgery for stroke prevention, with a low major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event rate of 2.7%.
Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a new interventional radiology tool showing promise in treating uterine fibroids, offering lasting relief from symptoms without surgery. In a study of over 100 patients, women experienced significant improvement in symptoms, with 90% reporting considerable or excellent relief.
Michael C. Soulen, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, received the prestigious Dr. Charles T. Dotter Lecture honor for his seminal contributions to interventional oncology. Soulen has also made significant research in interventional radiology, publishing nearly 100 peer-reviewed articles.
A global study indicates that uterine fibroid embolization has a comparable fertility rate to myomectomy, the gold standard surgical treatment, for women seeking to conceive. The procedure showed a 58.1% fertility rate, similar to myomectomy's 57% success rate.
Drug-eluting stents have shown promising results in treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients with critical limb ischemia, rivaling bypass surgery in primary patency rates of up to 81.8% and freedom from major amputation of up to 90.6%. The treatment offers a safe and effective solution for tiny blocked arteries below the knee.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Press has released an updated edition of 'Patient Care in Vascular and Interventional Radiology,' a 448-page resource covering major aspects of patient care. The new edition is complemented by a study guide, presenting questions and detailed answers for continuing medical education.
A recent study found that embedding clinical images in radiology reports enhances communication between radiologists and referring physicians, leading to improved patient care. The study, which included 35 cases of abdominal CT scans, showed that attaching relevant images to the report helped make management decisions more confident an...
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that PET scanner ownership by non-radiologists has significantly increased, outpacing radiologist-owned scans. This trend contributes to unnecessary imaging utilization and increased costs.
A large academic medical center found that a significant percentage of outpatient referrals for CT and MRI studies from primary care physicians were inappropriate. The study, performed at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA, included medical records from 459 elective outpatient CT and MR examinations.
A new study published in Radiology shows that an imaging exam using the latest generation of CT technology exposes patients to up to 91% less radiation than standard helical CT scanning. The new volume scanner can image the entire heart in one piece, eliminating artifacts and reducing radiation exposure.
Researchers used contrast-enhanced MRI to differentiate between rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, finding a significant difference in perfusion after 15 minutes. The study suggests that contrast-enhanced MRI could play a key role in targeted therapies for each condition.
A randomized multicenter study of 190 patients shows stent grafts are more effective in treating blocked access in kidney failure patients undergoing dialysis. The study found nearly 51% of dialysis accesses remained open at six months with stent grafts, compared to just 23% with balloon angioplasties.
Researchers may use epigenetics to assess potential harm from CT scans and other low-dose radiation. The study's author argues that future trends in diseases could be linked to current CT usage.
The study found that videoconferencing enabled successful completion of education programs for radiology trainees in remote locations, removing the need for travel and increasing participation rates. Satisfaction with course content and delivery was high among participants.
The National Institutes of Health is implementing a system to track radiation dose exposure from medical imaging tests, aiming to determine potential cancer risks. The electronic medical record will store and retrieve reports on radiation doses, allowing for the collection of data necessary to assess cancer risk.
A study found that preoperative computed tomography (CT) use among women of reproductive age coincided with a significant decrease in negative appendectomies. The increased utilization of CT and advances in technology led to improved diagnosis and reduced false-positive diagnoses, resulting in lower unnecessary surgeries.
A study published in Radiology found that computed tomographic colonography (CTC), or virtual colonoscopy, is a safe and effective screening tool for older adults. The advanced neoplastic prevalence was 7.6 percent, with no significant difference in accuracy compared to younger patients.
A new method developed by Mayo Clinic and IBM uses analytics technology to detect brain aneurysms with a 95% accuracy rate, compared to 70% for manual interpretation. The system can identify images in 3-5 minutes, improving efficiency and saving radiologists' time.
Researchers found that handheld devices like PDAs and iPod Touch can display medical images accurately, comparable to secondary monitors, with significant benefits for teleconsultation and emergency procedures.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that acute adverse reactions from gadolinium-based contrast agents used during MRI are rare, occurring in only 0.16 percent of all administrations. The majority of reactions were mild, while six moderate and two severe reactions were reported.
The Institute of Medicine recommends stricter resident duty hour regulations to reduce fatigue-related errors and ensure patient safety. The new guidelines focus on regular sleep opportunities for residents, rather than reducing maximum weekly work hours.
A study found that emergency physicians and radiologists overwhelmingly prefer CT scans for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, citing its high accuracy and ease of access. However, approaches differ in imaging pregnant patients with radiation concerns.
A study found that ultrasound-guided cortisone injections showed a clinically significant improvement in pain level for 72% of patients with gluteus medius tendinopathy. Patients were satisfied with the results, making this treatment method a promising option for treating severe hip pain.
A randomized study found that percutaneous disc decompression provides sustained pain relief up to two years, while conservative therapy only offers short-term benefits. Disc decompression involves deflating the bulging disc and relieving nerve root pressure, allowing for improved mobility and quality of life.
Researchers found that a combination of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and low-dose CT provided accurate diagnoses with high sensitivity and specificity. The study suggests that this technique may improve patient outcomes by reducing the mortality rate associated with untreated pulmonary embolism.
A large proportion of patients undergoing abdominal/pelvic CT scans receive unindicated and unnecessary additional image acquisition, leading to excess radiation exposure. The mean excess radiation dose per patient from unnecessary scans was found to be 11.3 millisieverts.
A study found that using smartphones with special software to view CT scans allowed radiologists to accurately diagnose acute appendicitis. The technique, which uses encrypted wireless networks and OsiriX Mobile software, showed promising results in a small sample of patients.
A study found that middle-aged men and women who engage in high levels of physical activity are at greater risk for developing knee abnormalities and osteoarthritis. High-impact activities like running and jumping carry a greater risk, while low-impact activities like swimming and cycling may protect against disease.
The Image Sharing Demonstration at RSNA 2009 showcases methods for sharing images, reports, and medical history to enhance patient care in radiology. The project aims to enable 'meaningful use' of electronic health records and improve interoperability between medical institutions.
A study published in JACR found that on-call radiology residents can accurately interpret emergency neuroradiology CT scans after hours. The accuracy of image interpretation is crucial for diagnostic radiology, with clinicians relying solely on preliminary interpretations to make treatment decisions.
Computerized provider order entry/decision support systems offer an education-focused method of utilization management, tracking physician performance and comparing scores to peers. This approach has been shown to reduce imaging utilization by 2.75%, 1.2%, and 1.3% for CT, MRI, and ultrasound respectively.
A new medical imaging technique called dynamic MRI has been found to identify pelvic organ prolapse in women with lower urinary tract symptoms. The condition can go undiagnosed due to its lack of symptoms at rest, but becomes apparent when the patient strains.
A new study published in Radiology found that using standardized words and phrases from a pull-down menu actually decreased the completeness and accuracy of radiology reports. Researchers tested two groups of residents on different reporting methods, finding that structured software resulted in less complete and accurate reports.
A recent study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that catheter-directed therapy is a relatively safe and effective treatment for acute massive pulmonary embolism. The treatment was lifesaving in 86.5% of cases studied and had only a 2.4% chance of major complications.
Researchers found that patients are dissatisfied with the current system of receiving radiology test results, citing long delays and lack of detail. The study suggests that patients would prefer to have secure online access to their medical records, including detailed results, to improve their care experience.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that hospitals using more in-patient diagnostic imaging exams had significantly lower in-hospital mortality rates without a corresponding increase in costs. The study analyzed data from over 100 hospitals and more than 1 million patient outcomes, suggesting...
Residents can educate Congress, medical community, and public about CTC efficacy and importance of radiologist training. They are urged to support Medicare coverage and become proficient in performing and interpreting CTC during residency.
A Stanford study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that catheter-directed therapy can save lives in people with massive blood clots in their lungs. The treatment was effective in 86.5% of cases and appeared to be safer than existing treatments.